D flip-flop

ABSTRACT

A true single-phase clock (TSPC) D flip-flop includes four stages. The four stages are serially connected between the input terminal and the output terminal of the TSPC D-type flip-flop. Each stage is selectively equipped with two connecting devices. One of the two connecting devices is a resistive element. The other of the two connecting devices is a short circuit element. When the node between two stages is in the floating state, the voltage change is slowed down by the resistive element. Consequently, the possibility of causing the function failure of the D-type flip-flop is minimized.

This application claims the benefit of Taiwan Patent Application No.109142660, filed Dec. 3, 2020, the subject matter of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a D flip-flop, and more particularly toa true single-phase clock D flip-flop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the D-type flip-flops in logic circuits are all master-slavetype D flip-flops. The master-slave D-type flip-flop has betteranti-noise capability. However, the master-slave D-type flip-flop hassome drawbacks, including larger size, slower operation speed and higherpower consumption.

In an integrated circuit, a dynamic circuit is operated according to aclock signal. A true single-phase clock D flip-flop (hereinafterreferred to as a TSPC D flip-flop) is a kind of dynamic circuit. Sincedynamic circuits have the advantages of higher speed, low layout area,and low power consumption, dynamic circuits have been designed in logiccircuits or special application integrated circuits (ASICs).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention provides a D-type flip-flop. TheD-type flip-flop includes a first connecting device, a first first-typetransistor, a first second-type transistor, a second second-typetransistor, a second connecting device, a second first-type transistor,a third first-type transistor, a third second-type transistor, a fourthfirst-type transistor, a fifth first-type transistor and a fourthsecond-type transistor. The first connecting device has a first terminaland a second terminal. The first terminal of the first connecting devicereceives a first supply voltage. The first first-type transistor has agate terminal, a first drain/source terminal, and a second drain/sourceterminal. The gate terminal of the first first-type transistor receivesan input signal. The first drain/source terminal of the first first-typetransistor is connected with the second terminal of the first connectingdevice. The second drain/source terminal of the first first-typetransistor is connected to a first node. The first second-typetransistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and asecond drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the first second-typetransistor receives a clock signal. The first drain/source terminal ofthe first second-type transistor is connected to the first node. Thesecond second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/sourceterminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of thesecond second-type transistor receives the input signal. The firstdrain/source terminal of the second second-type transistor is connectedwith the second drain/source terminal of the first second-typetransistor. The second connecting device has a first terminal and asecond terminal. The first terminal of the second connecting device isconnected with the second drain/source terminal of the secondsecond-type transistor. The second terminal of the second connectingdevice receives a second supply voltage. The second first-typetransistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and asecond drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the second first-typetransistor receives the clock signal. The first drain/source terminal ofthe second first-type transistor receives the first supply voltage. Thethird first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/sourceterminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of thethird first-type transistor is connected to the first node. The firstdrain/source terminal of the third first-type transistor is connectedwith the second drain/source terminal of the second first-typetransistor. The second drain/source terminal of the third first-typetransistor is coupled to a second node. The third second-type transistorhas a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a seconddrain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the third second-typetransistor receives the clock signal. The first drain/source terminal ofthe third second-type transistor is coupled to the second node. Thesecond drain/source terminal of the third second-type transistorreceives the second supply voltage. The fourth first-type transistor hasa gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/sourceterminal. The gate terminal of the fourth first-type transistor isconnected to the second node. The first drain/source terminal of thefourth first-type transistor is coupled to the first supply voltage. Thefifth first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/sourceterminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of thefifth first-type transistor receives the clock signal. The firstdrain/source terminal of the fifth first-type transistor is connectedwith the second drain/source terminal of the fourth first-typetransistor. The second drain/source terminal of the fifth first-typetransistor is connected to a third node. The fourth second-typetransistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and asecond drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the fourthsecond-type transistor is connected to the second node. The firstdrain/source terminal of the fourth second-type transistor is connectedto the third node. The second drain/source terminal of the fourthsecond-type transistor is coupled to the second supply voltage.Moreover, one of the first connecting device and the second connectingdevice is a resistive element, and the other of the first connectingdevice and the second connecting device is a short circuit element.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a D-type flip-flop.The D-type flip-flop includes a first first-type transistor, a firstsecond-type transistor, a second second-type transistor, a secondfirst-type transistor, a first connecting device, a third first-typetransistor, a second connecting device, a third second-type transistor,a fourth first-type transistor, a fifth first-type transistor and afourth second-type transistor. The first first-type transistor has agate terminal, a first drain/source terminal, and a second drain/sourceterminal. The gate terminal of the first first-type transistor receivesan input signal. The first drain/source terminal of the first first-typetransistor receives a first supply voltage. The second drain/sourceterminal of the first first-type transistor is connected to a firstnode. The first second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a firstdrain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gateterminal of the first second-type transistor receives a clock signal.The first drain/source terminal of the first second-type transistor isconnected to the first node. The second second-type transistor has agate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/sourceterminal. The gate terminal of the second second-type transistorreceives the input signal. The first drain/source terminal of the secondsecond-type transistor is connected with the second drain/sourceterminal of the first second-type transistor. The second drain/sourceterminal of the second second-type transistor receives a second supplyvoltage. The second first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a firstdrain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gateterminal of the second first-type transistor receives the clock signal.The first drain/source terminal of the second first-type transistorreceives the first supply voltage. The first connecting device has afirst terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the firstconnecting device is connected with the second drain/source terminal ofthe second first-type transistor. The third first-type transistor has agate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/sourceterminal. The gate terminal of the third first-type transistor isconnected to the first node. The first drain/source terminal of thethird first-type transistor is connected with the second terminal of thefirst connecting device. The second drain/source terminal of the thirdfirst-type transistor is coupled to a second node. The second connectingdevice has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal ofthe second connecting device is connected to the second node. The thirdsecond-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/sourceterminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of thethird second-type transistor receives the clock signal. The firstdrain/source terminal of the third second-type transistor is connectedwith the second terminal of the second connecting device. The seconddrain/source terminal of the third second-type transistor receives thesecond supply voltage. The fourth first-type transistor has a gateterminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/sourceterminal. The gate terminal of the fourth first-type transistor isconnected to the second node. The first drain/source terminal of thefourth first-type transistor is coupled to the first supply voltage. Thefifth first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/sourceterminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of thefifth first-type transistor receives the clock signal. The firstdrain/source terminal of the fifth first-type transistor is connectedwith the second drain/source terminal of the fourth first-typetransistor. The second drain/source terminal of the fifth first-typetransistor is connected to a third node. The fourth second-typetransistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and asecond drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the fourthsecond-type transistor is connected to the second node. The firstdrain/source terminal of the fourth second-type transistor is connectedto the third node. The second drain/source terminal of the fourthsecond-type transistor is coupled to the second supply voltage.Moreover, one of the first connecting device and the second connectingdevice is a resistive element, and the other of the first connectingdevice and the second connecting device is a short circuit element.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a D-type flip-flop.The D-type flip-flop includes a first first-type transistor, a firstsecond-type transistor, a second second-type transistor, a secondfirst-type transistor, a third first-type transistor, a thirdsecond-type transistor, a first connecting device, a fourth first-typetransistor, a fifth first-type transistor, a fourth second-typetransistor and a second connecting device. The first first-typetransistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal, and asecond drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the first first-typetransistor receives an input signal. The first drain/source terminal ofthe first first-type transistor receives a first supply voltage. Thesecond drain/source terminal of the first first-type transistor isconnected to a first node. The first second-type transistor has a gateterminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/sourceterminal. The gate terminal of the first second-type transistor receivesa clock signal. The first drain/source terminal of the first second-typetransistor is connected to the first node. The second second-typetransistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and asecond drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the secondsecond-type transistor receives the input signal. The first drain/sourceterminal of the second second-type transistor is connected with thesecond drain/source terminal of the first second-type transistor. Thesecond drain/source terminal of the second second-type transistorreceives a second supply voltage. The second first-type transistor has agate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/sourceterminal. The gate terminal of the second first-type transistor receivesthe clock signal. The first drain/source terminal of the secondfirst-type transistor receives the first supply voltage. The thirdfirst-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminaland a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the thirdfirst-type transistor is connected to the first node. The firstdrain/source terminal of the third first-type transistor is connectedwith the second drain/source terminal of the second first-typetransistor. The second drain/source terminal of the third first-typetransistor is connected to a second node. The third second-typetransistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and asecond drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the third second-typetransistor receives the clock signal. The first drain/source terminal ofthe third second-type transistor is connected to the second node. Thesecond drain/source terminal of the third second-type transistorreceives the second supply voltage. The first connecting device has afirst terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the firstconnecting device receives the first supply voltage. The fourthfirst-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminaland a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the fourthfirst-type transistor is connected to the second node. The firstdrain/source terminal of the fourth first-type transistor is connectedto the second terminal of the first connecting device. The fifthfirst-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminaland a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of the fifthfirst-type transistor receives the clock signal. The first drain/sourceterminal of the fifth first-type transistor is connected with the seconddrain/source terminal of the fourth first-type transistor. The seconddrain/source terminal of the fifth first-type transistor is connected toa third node. The fourth second-type transistor has a gate terminal, afirst drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gateterminal of the fourth second-type transistor is connected to the secondnode. The first drain/source terminal of the fourth second-typetransistor is connected to the third node. The second connecting devicehas a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of thesecond connecting device is connected with the second drain/sourceterminal of the fourth second-type transistor. The second terminal ofthe second connecting device receives the second supply voltage.Moreover, one of the first connecting device and the second connectingdevice is a resistive element, and the other of the first connectingdevice and the second connecting device is a short circuit element.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a D-type flip-flop.The D-type flip-flop includes a first first-type transistor, a firstsecond-type transistor, a second second-type transistor, a secondfirst-type transistor, a third first-type transistor, a thirdsecond-type transistor, a fourth first-type transistor, a fifthfirst-type transistor, a fourth second-type transistor and a firstcapacitor. The first first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a firstdrain/source terminal, and a second drain/source terminal. The gateterminal of the first first-type transistor receives an input signal.The first drain/source terminal of the first first-type transistorreceives a first supply voltage. The second drain/source terminal of thefirst first-type transistor is connected to a first node. The firstsecond-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/sourceterminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of thefirst second-type transistor receives a clock signal. The firstdrain/source terminal of the first second-type transistor is connectedto the first node. The second second-type transistor has a gateterminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/sourceterminal. The gate terminal of the second second-type transistorreceives the input signal. The first drain/source terminal of the secondsecond-type transistor is connected with the second drain/sourceterminal of the first second-type transistor. The second drain/sourceterminal of the second second-type transistor receives a second supplyvoltage. The second first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a firstdrain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gateterminal of the second first-type transistor receives the clock signal.The first drain/source terminal of the second first-type transistorreceives the first supply voltage. The third first-type transistor has agate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/sourceterminal. The gate terminal of the third first-type transistor isconnected to the first node. The first drain/source terminal of thethird first-type transistor is connected with the second drain/sourceterminal of the second first-type transistor. The second drain/sourceterminal of the third first-type transistor is connected to a secondnode. The third second-type transistor has a gate terminal, a firstdrain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gateterminal of the third second-type transistor receives the clock signal.The first drain/source terminal of the third second-type transistor isconnected to the second node. The second drain/source terminal of thethird second-type transistor receives the second supply voltage. Thefourth first-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/sourceterminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of thefourth first-type transistor is connected to the second node. The firstdrain/source terminal of the fourth first-type transistor receives thefirst supply voltage. The fifth first-type transistor has a gateterminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/sourceterminal. The gate terminal of the fifth first-type transistor receivesthe clock signal. The first drain/source terminal of the fifthfirst-type transistor is connected with the second drain/source terminalof the fourth first-type transistor. The second drain/source terminal ofthe fifth first-type transistor is connected to a third node. The fourthsecond-type transistor has a gate terminal, a first drain/sourceterminal and a second drain/source terminal. The gate terminal of thefourth second-type transistor is connected to the second node. The firstdrain/source terminal of the fourth second-type transistor is connectedto the third node. The second drain/source terminal of the fourthsecond-type transistor receives the second supply voltage. The firstcapacitor has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminalof the first capacitor is connected to the first node. The secondterminal of the first capacitor receives the first supply voltage or thesecond supply voltage.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbe readily apparent upon a reading of the following detailed descriptionof embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings. However, the drawings employed herein are forthe purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will becomemore readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art afterreviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings,in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a negative triggerTSPC D flip-flop;

FIG. 1B is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a positive triggerTSPC D flip-flop;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic timing waveform diagrams illustratingassociated signals of the negative trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating a TSPC Dflip-flop according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D schematically illustrate some examples of theresistive element used in the D flip-flop according to the firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating a TSPC Dflip-flop according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D schematically illustrate some examples of theresistive element used in the D flip-flop according to the secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating a TSPC Dflip-flop according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F schematically illustrate some examplesof the resistive element used in the D flip-flop according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating a TSPC Dflip-flop according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E schematically illustrate some examplesof the capacitor used in the D flip-flop according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Please refer to FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A is a schematic circuit diagramillustrating a negative trigger TSPC D flip-flop. FIG. 1B is a schematiccircuit diagram illustrating a positive trigger TSPC D flip-flop.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the negative trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop 110comprises p-type transistors Mp1˜Mp6 and n-type transistors Mn1˜Mn5. Thep-type transistor and the n-type transistor are different types oftransistors. For example, the p-type transistors are first-typetransistors, and the n-type transistors are second-type transistors.

Moreover, four stages are serially connected between the input terminaland the output terminal of the negative trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop110. The first stage comprises the p-type transistor Mp1 and the twon-type transistors Mn1, Mn2. The second stage comprises the P-typetransistors Mp2, Mp3 and the n-type transistor Mn3. The third stagecomprises the p-type transistor Mp4, Mp5 and the n-type transistor Mn4.The fourth stage comprises the p-type transistor Mp6 and the n-typetransistor Mn5.

The connecting relationship between associated components of the firststage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mp1 receives an input signal D. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mp1 receives a supply voltage Vdd. Thesecond drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp1 is connectedto node a2. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mn1 receives aclock signal CK. The first drain/source terminal of the n-typetransistor Mn1 is connected to the node a2. The gate terminal of then-type transistor Mn2 receives the input signal D. The firstdrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn2 is connected with thesecond drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn1. The seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn2 receives a supplyvoltage GND. The supply voltage Vdd is higher than the supply voltageGND. For example, the supply voltage Vdd is 3.3V, and the supply voltageGND is 0V.

The connecting relationship between associated components of the secondstage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mp2 receives the clock signal CK. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mp2 receives the supply voltage Vdd.The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp3 is connected to the nodea2. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp3 isconnected with the second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistorMp2. The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp3 isconnected to a node b2. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3receives the clock signal CK. The first drain/source terminal of then-type transistor Mn3 is connected to the node b2. The seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3 receives the supplyvoltage GND.

The connecting relationship between associated components of the thirdstage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mp4 is connected to the node b2. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mp4 receives the supply voltage Vdd.The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp5 receives the clock signalCK. The first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp5 isconnected with the second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistorMp4. The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp5 isconnected to a node c2. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mn4is connected to the node b2. The first drain/source terminal of then-type transistor Mn4 is connected to the node c2. The seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn4 receives the supplyvoltage GND.

The connecting relationship between associated components of the fourthstage will be described as follows. The p-type transistor Mp6 and then-type transistor Mn5 are collaboratively formed as an inverter 112. Theinput terminal of the inverter 112 is connected to the node c2. Theoutput terminal of the inverter 112 generates an output signal Q. Thegate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp6 is connected to the node c2.The first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp6 receivesthe supply voltage Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-typetransistor Mp6 generates the output signal Q. The gate terminal of then-type transistor Mn5 is connected to node c2. The first drain/sourceterminal of the n-type transistor Mn5 is connected with the seconddrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp6. The seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn5 receives the supplyvoltage GND.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the positive trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop 120comprises n-type transistors Mn1˜Mn6 and p-type transistors Mp1˜Mp5. Thep-type transistor and the n-type transistor are different types oftransistors. For example, the n-type transistors are first-typetransistors, and the p-type transistors are second-type transistors.

Moreover, four stages are serially connected between the input terminaland the output terminal of the positive trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop120. The first stage comprises the p-type transistors Mp1, Mp2 and then-type transistors Mn1. The second stage comprises the p-typetransistors Mp3 and the n-type transistors Mn2, Mn3. The third stagecomprises the p-type transistors Mp4 and the n-type transistors Mn4,Mn5. The fourth stage comprises the p-type transistor Mp5 and the n-typetransistor Mn6.

The connecting relationship between associated components of the firststage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of the n-typetransistor Mn1 receives an input signal D. The first drain/sourceterminal of the n-type transistor Mn1 receives a supply voltage GND. Thesecond drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn1 is connectedto the node d2. The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp1 receivesthe clock signal CK. The first drain/source terminal of the p-typetransistor Mp1 is connected to the node d2. The gate terminal of thep-type transistor Mp2 receives the input signal D. The firstdrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2 is connected with thesecond drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp1. The seconddrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2 receives the supplyvoltage Vdd. The supply voltage Vdd is higher than the supply voltageGND. For example, the supply voltage Vdd is 3.3V, and the supply voltageGND is 0V.

The connecting relationship between associated components of the secondstage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of the n-typetransistor Mn2 receives the clock signal CK. The first drain/sourceterminal of the n-type transistor Mn2 receives the supply voltage GND.The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3 is connected to the noded2. The first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3 isconnected with the second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistorMn2. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3 isconnected to the node e2. The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp3receives the clock signal CK. The first drain/source terminal of thep-type transistor Mp3 is connected to the node e2. The seconddrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp3 receives the supplyvoltage Vdd.

The connecting relationship between associated components of the thirdstage will be described as follows. The gate terminal of the n-typetransistor Mn4 is connected to the node e2. The first drain/sourceterminal of the n-type transistor Mn4 receives the supply voltage GND.The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mn5 receives the clock signalCK. The first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn5 isconnected with the second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistorMn4. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn5 isconnected to a node f2. The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mp4is connected to the node e2. The first drain/source terminal of thep-type transistor Mp4 is connected with the node f2. The seconddrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp4 receives the supplyvoltage Vdd.

The connecting relationship between associated components of the fourthstage will be described as follows. The p-type transistor Mp5 and then-type transistor Mn6 are collaboratively formed as an inverter 122. Theinput terminal of the inverter 122 is connected to the node f2. Theoutput terminal of the inverter 122 generates an output signal Q. Thegate terminal of the n-type transistor Mn6 is connected to the node f2.The first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn6 receivesthe supply voltage GND. The second drain/source terminal of the n-typetransistor Mn6 generates the output signal Q. The gate terminal of thep-type transistor Mp5 is connected to node f2. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mp5 is connected with the seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn6. The seconddrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp5 receives the supplyvoltage Vdd.

The operations of the positive trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop 120 aresimilar to those of the negative trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop 110. Forbrevity, only the operations of the negative trigger TSPC D-typeflip-flop 110 when the nodes a2, b2 and c2 are in the floating statewill be described as follows. FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic timingwaveform diagrams illustrating associated signals of the negativetrigger TSPC D-type flip-flop.

In the time interval between the time point ta and the time point tb,the clock signal CK is in a low level state (e.g., corresponding to thesupply voltage GND), and the input signal D is in a high level state(e.g., corresponding to the supply voltage Vdd). The p-type transistorMp1 and the n-type transistor Mn1 are turned off. Consequently, the nodea2 is in the floating state. When the node a2 is in the floating state,the node a2 needs to be maintained in the low level state. However,since the p-type transistor Mp1 has a relatively large leakage currentand the leakage current charges the node a2, the voltage at the node a2is gradually increased. If the voltage at the node a2 is increased to bevery high when the node a2 is in the floating state, the p-typetransistor Mp2 is turned off. Consequently, the function of the D-typeflip-flop 110 fails.

In the time interval between the time point td and the time point te,the voltage at the node a2 is at the high level state, and the clocksignal CK is in the low level state. The p-type transistor Mp3 and then-type transistor Mn3 are turned off. Consequently, the node b2 is inthe floating state. Theoretically, when the node b2 is in the floatingstate, the node b2 needs to be maintained in the low level state.However, since the p-type transistors Mp2 and Mp3 have a relativelylarge leakage currents and the leakage currents charge the node b2, thevoltage at the node b2 is gradually increased. If the voltage at thenode b2 is increased to be very high when the node b2 is in the floatingstate, the p-type transistor Mp4 is turned off and the n-type transistorMn4 is turned on. Consequently, the function of the D-type flip-flop 110fails.

In the time interval between the time point tb and the time point tc,the voltage at the node b2 is at the low level state, and the clocksignal CK is in the high level state. The n-type transistor Mn4 and thep-type transistor Mp5 are turned off. Consequently, the node c2 is inthe floating state. Theoretically, when the node c2 is in the floatingstate, the node c2 needs to be maintained in the low level state.However, since the p-type transistors Mp4 and Mp5 have a relativelylarge leakage currents and the leakage currents charge the node c2, thevoltage at the node c2 is gradually increased. If the voltage at thenode c2 is increased to be very high when the node c2 is in the floatingstate, the p-type transistor Mp6 is turned off and the n-type transistorMn5 is turned on. Consequently, the function of the D-type flip-flop 110fails.

In FIG. 2B, the detailed waveform diagram of the associated signals atthe node a2 is shown. At the time point ta, the clock signal CK ischanged from the high level state to the low level state. The p-typetransistor Mp2 is turned on, and the n-type transistor Mn3 is turnedoff. Consequently, the node b2 is changed from the low level state tothe high level state. In the time interval between the time point ta tothe time point tf, the voltage at the node b2 is increased because ofthe Miller effect. Consequently, the voltage at the node a2 is rapidlyboosted from the low level state. Then, in the time interval between thetime point tf to the time point tb, the leakage current of the p-typetransistor Mp1 charges node a2 because the node a2 is in the floatingstate. Consequently, the voltage at the node a2 is gradually increased.

Moreover, the b2 and the node c2 are not affected by the Miller effect.The voltages at the node b2 and the node c2 are affected by the leakagecurrent only.

Generally, the transistor with a larger size has a stronger drivingstrength and generates a larger leakage current.

As mentioned above, if the p-type transistors in the TSPC D-typeflip-flops 110 and 120 have the stronger driving strength, the p-typetransistors generate the larger leakage currents. Consequently, when thenodes of the TSPC D-type flip-flops 110 and 120 are in the floatingstate, the voltages at the nodes are gradually charged to the supplyvoltage Vdd. Similarly, if the n-type transistors in the TSPC D-typeflip-flops 110 and 120 have the stronger driving strength, the n-typetransistors generate the larger leakage currents. Consequently, when thenodes of the TSPC D-type flip-flops 110 and 120 are in the floatingstate, the voltages at the nodes are gradually charged to the supplyvoltage GND.

However, the TSPC D-type flip-flops 110 and 120 are inevitably affectedby the leakage currents of the transistors. For preventing from thefunction failure of the TSPC D-type flip-flops 110 and 120, the TSPCD-type flip-flops are designed according to the purpose of reducing theleakage currents of the transistors. Hereinafter, the negative triggerTSPC D-type flip-flop will be taken as an example. Of course, theassociated technologies can be applied to the positive trigger TSPCD-type flip-flop.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating a TSPC Dflip-flop according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Incomparison with the negative trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop of FIG. 1A,the first stage of the TSPC D flip-flop 310 of this embodiment furthercomprises two connecting devices 312 and 314. For succinctness, only therelationships between the connecting devices 312, 314 and associatedcomponents will be described as follows.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the connecting device 312 of the D-type flip-flop310 has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal ofthe connecting device 312 receives the supply voltage Vdd. The secondterminal of the connecting device 312 is connected with the firstdrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp1. The connectingdevice 314 has a first terminal and a second terminal. The firstterminal of the connecting device 314 is connected with the seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn2. The second terminalof the connecting device 314 receives the supply voltage GND. In anembodiment, one of the two connecting devices 312, 314 is a resistiveelement, and the other of the two connecting devices 312, 314 is a shortcircuit element.

In the D flip-flop 310 of this embodiment, the two connecting devices312 and 314 are designed according to the driving strengths of thep-type transistors and the n-type transistors.

Please refer to FIG. 3B. In the D-type flip-flop 310, the drivingstrength of the p-type transistor Mp1 is designed to be stronger thanthe driving strength of the n-type transistors Mn1 and Mn2. Under thiscircumstance, the connecting device 312 is a resistive element, and theconnecting device 314 is a short circuit element. That is, a chargingpath between the supply voltage Vdd and the node a2 includes theresistive element. Consequently, when the node a2 is in the floatingstate, the leakage current of the p-type transistor Mp1 can be reduced.Since the voltage rise of the node a2 is slowed down, the D-typeflip-flop 310 can be operated correctly.

Please refer to FIG. 3C. In the D-type flip-flop 310, the drivingstrength of the p-type transistor Mp1 is designed to be weaker than thedriving strength of the n-type transistors Mn1 and Mn2. Under thiscircumstance, the connecting device 312 is a short circuit element, andthe connecting device 314 is a resistive element.

In an embodiment, the short circuit element is implemented with a metalwire, and the resistive element is a polysilicon resistor or any otherappropriate electronic component. Some examples will be described asfollows.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D schematically illustrate some examples of theresistive element used in the D flip-flop according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

Please refer to FIG. 4A. In the first stage, the connecting device 312in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and the node a2comprises a p-type transistor Mpx. The gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mpx receives the input signal D. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mpx receives the supply voltage Vdd.The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx isconnected with the first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistorMp1.

Please refer to FIG. 4B. In the first stage, the connecting device 312in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and the node a2comprises P-type transistors Mpx1, Mpx2 and an n-type transistor Mnx1.The p-type transistor Mpx1 and the n-type transistor Mnx1 arecollaboratively formed as a bias circuit to provide a bias voltage Vb tothe gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1 receives the supply voltage Vdd.The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1 and the seconddrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1 are connected witheach other. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 is connectedwith the gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1. The firstdrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 generates the biasvoltage Vb. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistorMnx1 receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mpx2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2 receives the supply voltage Vdd.The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2 isconnected with the first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistorMp1.

Please refer to FIG. 4C. In the first stage, the connecting device 314in the discharging path between the node a2 and the supply voltage GNDcomprises an n-type transistor Mny. The gate terminal of the n-typetransistor Mny receives the input signal D. The first drain/sourceterminal of the n-type transistor Mny is connected with the seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn2. The seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny receives the supplyvoltage GND.

Please refer to FIG. 4D. In the first stage, the connecting device 314in the discharging path between the node a2 and the supply voltage GNDcomprises n-type transistor Mny1, Mny2 and a p-type transistor Mpy1. Thep-type transistor Mpy1 and the n-type transistor Mny1 arecollaboratively formed as a bias circuit for providing a bias voltage Vbto the gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny2. The firstdrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpy1 receives the supplyvoltage Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistorMpy1 generates the bias voltage Vb. The gate terminal of the n-typetransistor Mny1 is connected with the gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mpy1. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 and thefirst drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 are connectedwith each other. The second drain/source terminal of the n-typetransistor Mny1 receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal ofthe n-type transistor Mny2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The firstdrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny2 is connected withthe second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn2. Thesecond drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny2 receives thesupply voltage GND.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating a TSPC Dflip-flop according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Incomparison with the negative trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop 110 of FIG.1A, the second stage of the TSPC D flip-flop 510 of this embodimentfurther comprises two connecting devices 512 and 514. For succinctness,only the relationships between the connecting devices 512, 514 andassociated components will be described as follows.

The connecting device 512 of the D-type flip-flop 510 has a firstterminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the connectingdevice 512 is connected with the second drain/source terminal of thep-type transistor Mp2. The second terminal of the connecting device 512is connected with the first drain/source terminal of the p-typetransistor Mp3. The connecting device 514 has a first terminal and asecond terminal. The first terminal of the connecting device 514 isconnected to the node b2. The second terminal of the connecting device514 is connected with the first drain/source terminal of the n-typetransistor Mn3. In an embodiment, one of the two connecting devices 512,514 is a resistive element, and the other of the two connecting devices512, 514 is a short circuit element.

In the D flip-flop 510 of this embodiment, the two connecting devices512 and 514 are designed according to the driving strengths of thep-type transistors and the n-type transistors.

Please refer to FIG. 5B. In the D-type flip-flop 510, the drivingstrength of the p-type transistors Mp2 and Mp3 is designed to bestronger than the driving strength of the n-type transistor Mn3. Underthis circumstance, the connecting device 512 is a resistive element, andthe connecting device 514 is a short circuit element. That is, acharging path between the supply voltage Vdd and the node b2 includesthe resistive element. Consequently, when the node b2 is in the floatingstate, the leakage currents of the p-type transistors Mp2 and Mp3 can bereduced. Since the voltage rise of the node b2 is slowed down, theD-type flip-flop 510 can be operated correctly.

Please refer to FIG. 5C. In the D-type flip-flop 510, the drivingstrength of the p-type transistors Mp2 and Mp3 is designed to be weakerthan the driving strength of the n-type transistor Mn3. Under thiscircumstance, the connecting device 512 is a short circuit element, andthe connecting device 514 is a resistive element.

In an embodiment, the short circuit element is implemented with a metalwire, and the resistive element is a polysilicon resistor or any otherappropriate electronic component. Some examples will be described asfollows.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D schematically illustrate some examples of theresistive element used in the D flip-flop according to the secondembodiment of the present invention.

Please refer to FIG. 6A. In the second stage, the connecting device 512in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and the node b2comprises a p-type transistor Mpx. The gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mpx is connected to node a2. The first drain/source terminalof the p-type transistor Mpx is connected with the second drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mp2. The second drain/source terminalof the p-type transistor Mpx is connected with the first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mp3.

Please refer to FIG. 6B. In the second stage, the connecting device 512in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and the node b2comprises p-type transistors Mpx1, Mpx2 and an n-type transistor Mnx1.The p-type transistor Mpx1 and the n-type transistor Mnx1 arecollaboratively formed as a bias circuit to provide a bias voltage Vb tothe gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1 receives the supply voltage Vdd.The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1 and the seconddrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1 are connected witheach other. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 is connectedwith the gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1. The firstdrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 generates the biasvoltage Vb. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistorMnx1 receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mpx2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2 is connected with the seconddrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2. The seconddrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2 is connected withthe second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp3.

Please refer to FIG. 6C. In the second stage, the connecting device 514in the discharging path between the node b2 and the supply voltage GNDcomprises an n-type transistor Mny. The gate terminal of the n-typetransistor Mny is connected with the node a2. The first drain/sourceterminal of the n-type transistor Mny is connected to the node b2. Thesecond drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny is connectedwith the first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3.

Please refer to FIG. 6D. In the second stage, the connecting device 514in the discharging path between the node b2 and the supply voltage GNDcomprises n-type transistor Mny1, Mny2 and a p-type transistor Mpy1. Thep-type transistor Mpy1 and the n-type transistor Mny1 arecollaboratively formed as a bias circuit for providing a bias voltage Vbto the gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny2. The firstdrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpy1 receives the supplyvoltage Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistorMpy1 generates the bias voltage Vb. The gate terminal of the n-typetransistor Mny1 is connected with the gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mpy1. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 and thefirst drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 are connectedwith each other. The second drain/source terminal of the n-typetransistor Mny1 receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal ofthe n-type transistor Mny2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The firstdrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny2 is connected to thenode b2. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny2is connected with the first drain/source terminal of the n-typetransistor Mn3.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating a TSPC Dflip-flop according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Incomparison with the negative trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop 110 of FIG.1A, the third stage of the TSPC D flip-flop 710 of this embodimentfurther comprises two connecting devices 712 and 714. For succinctness,only the relationships between the connecting devices 712, 714 andassociated components will be described as follows.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the connecting device 712 of the D-type flip-flop710 has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal ofthe connecting device 712 receives the supply voltage Vdd. The secondterminal of the connecting device 712 is connected with the firstdrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp4. The connectingdevice 714 has a first terminal and a second terminal. The firstterminal of the connecting device 714 is connected with the seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn4. The second terminalof the connecting device 714 receives the supply voltage GND. In anembodiment, one of the two connecting devices 712, 714 is a resistiveelement, and the other of the two connecting devices 712, 714 is a shortcircuit element.

In the D flip-flop 710 of this embodiment, the two connecting devices712 and 714 are designed according to the driving strengths of thep-type transistors and the n-type transistors.

Please refer to FIG. 7B. In the D-type flip-flop 710, the drivingstrength of the p-type transistors Mp4 and Mp5 is designed to bestronger than the driving strength of the n-type transistor Mn4. Underthis circumstance, the connecting device 712 is a resistive element, andthe connecting device 714 is a short circuit element. That is, acharging path between the supply voltage Vdd and the node c2 includesthe resistive element. Consequently, when the node c2 is in the floatingstate, the leakage current of the p-type transistors Mp4 and Mp5 can bereduced. Since the voltage rise of the node c2 is slowed down, theD-type flip-flop 710 can be operated correctly.

Please refer to FIG. 7C. In the D-type flip-flop 710, the drivingstrength of the p-type transistors Mp4 and Mp5 is designed to be weakerthan the driving strength of the n-type transistor Mn4. Under thiscircumstance, the connecting device 712 is a short circuit element, andthe connecting device 714 is a resistive element.

In an embodiment, the short circuit element is implemented with a metalwire, and the resistive element is a polysilicon resistor or any otherappropriate electronic component. Some examples will be described asfollows.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F schematically illustrate some examplesof the resistive element used in the D flip-flop according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

Please refer to FIG. 8A. In the third stage, the connecting device 712in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and the node c2comprises a p-type transistor Mpx. The gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mpx is connected to the node b2. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mpx receives the supply voltage Vdd.The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx isconnected with the first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistorMp4.

In another embodiment, the resistive element as shown in FIG. 8A (i.e.,the p-type transistor Mpx) may be replaced by the p-type transistor Mp2of the second stage. Please refer to FIG. 8B. In the third stage, theconnecting device 712 in the charging path between the supply voltageVdd and the node c2 comprises the p-type transistor Mp2. The gateterminal of the p-type transistor Mp2 receives the clock signal CK. Thefirst drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mp2 receives thesupply voltage Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-typetransistor Mp2 is connected with the first drain/source terminal of thep-type transistor Mp4.

Please refer to FIG. 8C. In the third stage, the connecting device 712in the charging path between the supply voltage Vdd and the node c2comprises P-type transistors Mpx1, Mpx2 and an n-type transistor Mnx1.The p-type transistor Mpx1 and the n-type transistor Mnx1 arecollaboratively formed as a bias circuit to provide a bias voltage Vb tothe gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1 receives the supply voltage Vdd.The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1 and the seconddrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1 are connected witheach other. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 is connectedwith the gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx1. The firstdrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx1 generates the biasvoltage Vb. The second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistorMnx1 receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mpx2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The first drain/sourceterminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2 receives the supply voltage Vdd.The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx2 isconnected with the first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistorMp4.

Please refer to FIG. 8D. In the third stage, the connecting device 714in the discharging path between the node c2 and the supply voltage GNDcomprises an n-type transistor Mny. The gate terminal of the n-typetransistor Mny is connected to the node b2. The first drain/sourceterminal of the n-type transistor Mny is connected with the seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn4. The seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny receives the supplyvoltage GND.

In another embodiment, the resistive element as shown in FIG. 8D (i.e.,the n-type transistor Mny) may be replaced by the n-type transistor Mn3of the second stage. Please refer to FIG. 8E. In the third stage, theconnecting device 714 in the discharging path between the node c2 andthe supply voltage GND comprises the n-type transistor Mn3. The gateterminal of the n-type transistor Mn3 receives the clock signal CK. Thefirst drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3 is connectedwith the second drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn4. Thesecond drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mn3 receives thesupply voltage GND.

Please refer to FIG. 8F. In the third stage, the connecting device 714in the discharging path between the node c2 and the supply voltage GNDcomprises n-type transistor Mny1, Mny2 and a p-type transistor Mpy1. Thep-type transistor Mpy1 and the n-type transistor Mny1 arecollaboratively formed as a bias circuit for providing a bias voltage Vbto the gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny2. The firstdrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpy1 receives the supplyvoltage Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-type transistorMpy1 generates the bias voltage Vb. The gate terminal of the n-typetransistor Mny1 is connected with the gate terminal of the p-typetransistor Mpy1. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 and thefirst drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mny1 are connectedwith each other. The second drain/source terminal of the n-typetransistor Mny1 receives the supply voltage GND. The gate terminal ofthe n-type transistor Mny2 receives the bias voltage Vb. The firstdrain/source terminal of n-type transistor Mny2 is connected with thesecond drain/source terminal of n-type transistor Mn4. The seconddrain/source terminal of n-type transistor Mny2 receives the supplyvoltage GND.

Moreover, the circuitry structure of the D flip-flop may be modifiedaccording to the concepts of the above three embodiments. For example,in a variant example of the D flip-flop, the first stage comprises twoconnecting devices and the second stage comprises other two connectingdevices. In another variant example of the D flip-flop, the first stagecomprises two connecting devices and the third stage comprises other twoconnecting devices. In another variant example of the D flip-flop, thesecond stage comprises two connecting devices and the third stagecomprises other two connecting devices. In another variant example ofthe D flip-flop, each of the first stage, the second stage and the thirdstage comprises two connecting devices.

In some embodiments, at least one capacitor is connected to the node a2to reduce the influence of the Miller effect. FIGS. 9A and 9B areschematic circuit diagrams illustrating a TSPC D flip-flop according toa fourth embodiment of the present invention. In comparison with thenegative trigger TSPC D-type flip-flop 110 of FIG. 1A, the TSPC Dflip-flop 510 of this embodiment further comprises a capacitor. Thecapacitor is connected to the node a2. The arrangement of capacitor canreduce the holding time of the input signal D and increase the operationspeed of the D flip-flop 510. For succinctness, only the relationshipbetween the capacitor and associated components will be described asfollows.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the capacitor 912 of the D flip-flop 910 has afirst terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of thecapacitor 912 is connected to the node a2. The second terminal of thecapacitor 912 receives the supply voltage GND.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the capacitor 914 of the D flip-flop 920 has afirst terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of thecapacitor 914 is connected to the node a2. The second terminal of thecapacitor 914 receives the supply voltage Vdd.

Moreover, the circuitry structure of the D flip-flop may be modifiedaccording to the concepts of the D flip-flops 910 and 920. For example,in a variant example of the D flip-flop, two capacitors are connected tothe node a2. One of the two capacitors is connected between the node a2and the supply voltage Vdd. The other capacitor is connected between thenode a2 and the supply voltage GND.

Preferably but not exclusively, the capacitor used in the D flip-flop ofthe fourth embodiment is a metal-insulator-metal capacitor (alsoreferred as a MIM capacitor) or any other appropriate electroniccomponent.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E schematically illustrate some examplesof the capacitor used in the D flip-flop according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention.

Please refer to FIG. 10A. The capacitor 912 is implemented through ann-type transistor Mnx. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx isconnected to the node a2. The first drain/source terminal and the seconddrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx receive the supplyvoltage GND.

Please refer to FIG. 10B. The capacitor 914 is implemented with a p-typetransistor Mpx. The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx isconnected to the node a2. The first drain/source terminal and the seconddrain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx receive the supplyvoltage Vdd.

Please refer to FIG. 10C. The two capacitors 912 and 914 are implementedwith an n-type transistor Mnx and a p-type transistor Mpx, respectively.The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx is connected to the nodea2. The first drain/source terminal and the second drain/source terminalof the n-type transistor Mnx receive the supply voltage GND. The gateterminal of the p-type transistor Mpx is connected to the node a2. Thefirst drain/source terminal and the second drain/source terminal of thep-type transistor Mpx receive the supply voltage Vdd.

Please refer to FIG. 10D. The two capacitors 912 and 914 are implementedwith an n-type transistor Mnx and a p-type transistor Mpx, respectively.The first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx receivesthe supply voltage Vdd. The second drain/source terminal of the p-typetransistor Mpx is connected to the node a2. The gate terminal of then-type transistor Mnx is connected to the node a2. The firstdrain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx is connected with thegate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx. The second drain/sourceterminal of the n-type transistor Mnx receives the supply voltage GND.

Please refer to FIG. 10E. The two capacitors 912 and 914 are implementedwith an n-type transistor Mnx and a p-type transistor Mpx, respectively.The first drain/source terminal of the p-type transistor Mpx receivesthe supply voltage Vdd. The gate terminal of the p-type transistor Mpxis connected to node a2. The gate terminal of the n-type transistor Mnxis connected with the second drain/source of the p-type transistor Mpx.The first drain/source terminal of the n-type transistor Mnx isconnected to node a2. The second drain/source terminal of the n-typetransistor Mnx receives the supply voltage GND.

Moreover, the circuitry structure of the D flip-flop in the fourthembodiment may be modified according to the concepts of the aboveembodiments. For example, in a variant example of the D flip-flop, thefirst stage comprises two connecting devices, and the capacitor isconnected to the second node a2. In another variant example of the Dflip-flop, the second stage comprises two connecting devices, and thecapacitor is connected to the second node a2. In another variant exampleof the D flip-flop, the third stage comprises two connecting devices,and the capacitor is connected to the second node a2. In another variantexample of the D flip-flop, each of the first connecting device and thesecond stage comprises two connecting devices, and the capacitor isconnected to the second node a2. In another variant example of the Dflip-flop, each of the first connecting device and the third stagecomprises two connecting devices, and the capacitor is connected to thesecond node a2. In another variant example of the D flip-flop, each ofthe second connecting device and the third stage comprises twoconnecting devices, and the capacitor is connected to the second nodea2. In another variant example of the D flip-flop, each of the firstconnecting device, the second stage and the third stage comprises twoconnecting devices, and the capacitor is connected to the second nodea2.

In the above embodiments, each D flip-flop comprise four stagesconnected between the input terminal and the output terminal in series.The fourth stage is an inverter. According to the practicalrequirements, the fourth stage (i.e., the inverter) may be omitted.Under this circumstance, the D flip-flop receives the input signal andgenerates an inverted output signal according to the clock signal.

While the invention has been described in terms of what is presentlyconsidered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is tobe understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosedembodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover variousmodifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similarstructures.

1-28. (canceled)
 29. A D-type flip-flop, comprising: a first first-typetransistor having a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal, and asecond drain/source terminal, wherein the gate terminal of the firstfirst-type transistor receives an input signal, the first drain/sourceterminal of the first first-type transistor receives a first supplyvoltage, and the second drain/source terminal of the first first-typetransistor is connected to a first node; a first second-type transistorhaving a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a seconddrain/source terminal, wherein the gate terminal of the firstsecond-type transistor receives a clock signal, and the firstdrain/source terminal of the first second-type transistor is connectedto the first node; a second second-type transistor having a gateterminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/sourceterminal, wherein the gate terminal of the second second-type transistorreceives the input signal, the first drain/source terminal of the secondsecond-type transistor is connected with the second drain/sourceterminal of the first second-type transistor, and the seconddrain/source terminal of the second second-type transistor receives asecond supply voltage; a second first-type transistor having a gateterminal, a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/sourceterminal, wherein the gate terminal of the second first-type transistorreceives the clock signal, and the first drain/source terminal of thesecond first-type transistor receives the first supply voltage; a thirdfirst-type transistor having a gate terminal, a first drain/sourceterminal and a second drain/source terminal, wherein the gate terminalof the third first-type transistor is connected to the first node, thefirst drain/source terminal of the third first-type transistor isconnected with the second drain/source terminal of the second first-typetransistor, and the second drain/source terminal of the third first-typetransistor is connected to a second node; a third second-type transistorhaving a gate terminal, a first drain/source terminal and a seconddrain/source terminal, wherein the gate terminal of the thirdsecond-type transistor receives the clock signal, the first drain/sourceterminal of the third second-type transistor is connected to the secondnode, and the second drain/source terminal of the third second-typetransistor receives the second supply voltage; a first connecting devicehaving a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the firstterminal of the first connecting device receives the first supplyvoltage; a fourth first-type transistor having a gate terminal, a firstdrain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal, wherein thegate terminal of the fourth first-type transistor is connected to thesecond node, and the first drain/source terminal of the fourthfirst-type transistor is connected to the second terminal of the firstconnecting device; a fifth first-type transistor having a gate terminal,a first drain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal,wherein the gate terminal of the fifth first-type transistor receivesthe clock signal, the first drain/source terminal of the fifthfirst-type transistor is connected with the second drain/source terminalof the fourth first-type transistor, and the second drain/sourceterminal of the fifth first-type transistor is connected to a thirdnode; a fourth second-type transistor having a gate terminal, a firstdrain/source terminal and a second drain/source terminal, wherein thegate terminal of the fourth second-type transistor is connected to thesecond node, and the first drain/source terminal of the fourthsecond-type transistor is connected to the third node; and a secondconnecting device having a first terminal and a second terminal, whereinthe first terminal of the second connecting device is connected with thesecond drain/source terminal of the fourth second-type transistor, andthe second terminal of the second connecting device receives the secondsupply voltage, wherein one of the first connecting device and thesecond connecting device is a resistive element, and the other of thefirst connecting device and the second connecting device is a shortcircuit element.
 30. The D-type flip-flop as claimed in claim 29,further comprising an inverter, wherein an input terminal of theinverter is connected to the third node, and an output terminal of theinverter generates an output signal.
 31. The D-type flip-flop as claimedin claim 29, wherein the first first-type transistor, the secondfirst-type transistor, the third first-type transistor, the fourthfirst-type transistor and the fifth first-type transistor are p-typetransistors, and the first second-type transistor, the secondsecond-type transistor, the third second-type transistor and the fourthsecond-type transistor are n-type transistors, wherein the first supplyvoltage is higher than the second supply voltage.
 32. The D-typeflip-flop as claimed in claim 29, wherein the first first-typetransistor, the second first-type transistor, the third first-typetransistor, the fourth first-type transistor and the fifth first-typetransistor are n-type transistors, and the first second-type transistor,the second second-type transistor, the third second-type transistor andthe fourth second-type transistor are p-type transistors, wherein thesecond supply voltage is higher than the first supply voltage.
 33. TheD-type flip-flop as claimed in claim 29, further comprising a capacitor,wherein the capacitor is connected to the first node. 34-42. (canceled)